Benefits of Green Building in Commercial Spaces
Environmental awareness has been growing exponentially over the past few decades; we are more concerned about the environment now than ever before. Pollution has reached alarming levels, and so it’s not surprising that the demand for green buildings is increasing.
The consequence of too much pollution has affected our lifestyle and, more importantly, our health. That hasn’t stopped us from continuing to erect new buildings, which are needed for business growth and to grow the economy. By embracing green technology, we are making an effort to amplify the positive and mitigate the negative effects towards Mother Nature throughout the entire life cycle of a building.
Green buildings, also known as sustainable buildings or green construction, are a positive initiative on the environment and human health. They help reduce trash, pollution, and degradation of the environment; they are energy efficient, and the thoughtful utilization of water and other resources protect the health and improve productivity of the occupants.
Many commercial spaces near Ecospace New Town are incorporating as many eco-friendly improvements as possible, using processes that are resource and energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
Benefits of Green Buildings:
The construction and operation of green buildings are aimed at promoting a healthy environment without disrupting the land, water resources and energy in and around the site. The goal is to preserve most of the natural environment around the project’s location. Apart from environmental benefits, green buildings have social and economic benefits too.
- Economic benefits:
Many corporations that lease office spaces in New Town Kolkata are willing to pay a premium to design an eco-friendly office. Green buildings assure greater energy efficiency and also consume less water – so these characteristics contribute to less operating costs. Tenants enjoy cost savings on utility bills whereas lower construction costs and higher property value prove beneficial for building developers. Green buildings command a 7% increase in asset value over traditional buildings. From construction to maintenance, skilled workers who know how to use the proper designs and tools that are best for certain purposes are required to follow strict guidelines for the entire operation. This means there has to be close cooperation between the client and the contractor, engineer and architects during all stages of the project. These buildings, thus, have the scope to create more jobs. In many countries, there’s plenty of incentive for companies who meet the criteria of green buildings. In India, rebates on taxes and property premiums are offered, while in some states, the government has energy efficiency financing programmes that greatly help reduce costs of the projects. Some state governments also grant monetary incentives or awards for excellence in energy conservation.
- Social Benefits:
Studies show that green buildings have a positive impact on people working in them. Green offices or green residential buildings ensure good health and wellness. It is also found that those working in green-certified buildings have 26% higher cognitive function test scores than those in similarly high-performing buildings without green-certification. People working in well-ventilated office spaces with better indoor air quality tend to fall sick less, report fewer headaches, and enjoy better sleep quality; all this leads to improved performances.
Environmental Benefits:
These buildings are adopting greener practices by better methods of construction. They are carefully designed with modern technology and are more energy-efficient. Green buildings mainly focus on reducing wastage of water, conserving natural resources, improving air and water quality, protecting biodiversity and the ecosystem. The construction industry has the largest potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to other major emitting sectors. In India, green buildings certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) can contribute to energy savings of 40-50% and water savings of 20-30% as compared to conventional buildings in India.
